Melvin Shute, a lifelong resident of Stockton Springs, served his community for years and in many capacities including County Commissioner and State Senator. Mel was also a boat enthusiast and spent many hours on the waters of Stockton Harbor and Penobscot Bay. The steeple of Stockton Springs Community Church had long been a beacon of safe harbor for him as well as for centuries of sailing men along this coastline. When it had to be removed in 2008 it was a sad day for many but none more than Mel Shute. Mel was, by that time in poor health and unable to lend any physical support, but he did indeed become a major cheerleader as his wife Janice mobilized a team of women who would not be discouraged from the daunting task of raising the huge sum needed to have the steeple rebuilt. Mel Shute is no longer with us, but his cheerleading remains in the form of another of his treasured possessions, a collectors red, 2-door, 1963 Ford Falcon Sprint, in great condition.

The family of Mel Shute has offered, in his memory, this treasure for sale with proceeds, up to $5,000, to be used in donation toward our current $8,000 matching fund grant. This donation will bring the Stockton Springs Historic Steeple fund raising project ever closer to completion.

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Many thanks to the leadership and continued generosity of the Shute family with this loving remembrance of Mel. Mel will also be remembered by the donation of funds for the Steeple Weathervane.